JOHANNESBURG – In preparation for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has streamlined the voter registration process with an easy-to-use online platform. The initiative aims to enhance voter accessibility and engagement in the upcoming elections.
According to South African Government News Agency, the website, registertovote.elections.org.za, serves as a comprehensive voter information portal. Prospective voters can use this portal not only to register to vote but also to update their current address, locate their voting station, request a special vote, or access essential information, including election dates in their ward.
The online registration process involves a few simple steps. It begins with entering personal information such as ID number, name, surname, and mobile number. This is followed by a one-time pin verification sent to the registered mobile number. Applicants must then capture their home address, review their registration summary, and complete an ID verification step by uploading a photo or scan of their South African ID.
Eligibility for voter registration requires being a South African citizen and at least 16 years old, though voting is permitted only from age 18. Acceptable forms of identification for registration include a green barcoded ID book, a smart ID card, or a temporary ID certificate. Confirmation of registration is sent via SMS or email.
Since its launch in July 2021, the online registration portal has recorded over 1.1 million transactions. The portal has seen significant activity in 2023, with 52% of all transactions occurring in the first eleven months of the year. Notably, 40.6% of the online registration activity comprises new registrations, with women constituting 56% of users. Young people under 29 are also actively using the portal, representing 49.6% of users.
In support of the voter registration weekend on 18 and 19 November 2023, the Department of Home Affairs will extend its operating hours to align with those of the IEC, from 08:00 to 17:00. The department will focus on providing ID services, including issuing Temporary Identification Certificates for those who have lost or misplaced their IDs.
Sy Mamabolo, the Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission, urged all eligible South African adults to register as voters during the upcoming weekend. He emphasized the importance of being on the voters’ roll to influence electoral outcomes next year.